Yes, it just means forward/neutral/reverse. The E means electric start.

Short shaft is the 15" leg. (kinda rare)

It has a duel point ignition, each set fires 3 of the cylinders.

I'm a bit of an expert on these motors....

-W

"Jay" jgibson1 AT COM CAST . NOT wrote in message
...
Hi all:

I just purchased a 1963 Mercury 1000 E / 100 HP short shaft, gear shift
outboard motor for my 1963 Crestliner and I was born in 1963 so my stars
are
all alligned. I am driving a rediculous distance to pick this up but
great
price and running condition force me to indulge my whim. I have ordered
the
owners manual, shop manual and parts list/schematics but they won't be
here
before I pick up the motor.

My question: What does "gear shift" mean? Is it simply
forward/neutral/reverse? Or does it mean first, second, third(?) gear
shifting? I checked out http://www.oldmercs.com/196263Merc1000.htm but it
doesn't explain the "gear shift" designation.

Thanks,
Jay